This study examined linear and nonlinear relations between age and the presence and search for meaning in life and examined if these relations were moderated by the presence of meaning in work....

This paper describes a broad study of the peer-reviewed literature linked to the positive psychology movement (Donaldsen et al, 2015). A systematic review selected 750 articles published in English between 1999-2013 (no review yet for 2014-2019) that were empirical tests of positive psychology theories, principles, and interventions....

Self-compassion – having a healthy, mindful and kind self-attitude – may be a better way to cope with negative experiences than distraction. This was tested in 152 undergraduates who underwent a negative mood induction and then completed either a self-compassionate writing task or a distraction task....

Meta-analyses indicate the efficacy of positive psychology interventions in promoting well-being. But, despite accumulating empirical and anecdotal evidence of these interventions’ implementation in real-world settings, no review of effectiveness research exists....

Despite the popularity of the ‘pay it forward’ (PIF) concept in textbooks and popular culture, to date, no study has tested the effectiveness of a brief, one-time PIF activity on the well-being of those who do good and those who receive good. To test this, 83 undergraduates (‘givers’) performed random kind acts for 1.5 h....

The VIA Classification characterizes six culturally defined virtues as latent variables underlying 24 character strengths. Factor analyses of measures based on the Classification usually suggest 4–5 factors that do not correspond well to traditional lists of virtues....

This applied case study centers on two aspects of Peterson’s research as introduced into a large K-12 school in Australia: (i) creating enabling institutions and (ii) applications of character strengths. The paper describes five character strengths initiatives....

The work of Chris Peterson and his colleagues provides a context and rationale for creating a new paradigm for character education....

Positive psychotherapy (PPT) is a therapeutic approach broadly based on the principles of positive psychology....

Editorial In memory of Chris Peterson: Introduction to special issue